2 Convicted In Grand Valley State University Student Adviser’s Death

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) – Two Grand Rapids men have been convicted of murder in the fatal stabbing of a longtime Grand Valley State University student adviser at his home.

Separate juries in Kent County Circuit Court convicted Timothy Miller and Maceo Scott of murder and armed robbery in the death of 50-year-old Santiago Zapata, who was found slain Sept. 25. They face mandatory terms of life in prison without parole when sentenced June 6.

Prosecutors said Zapata was killed amid a robbery gone awry. According to police, Zapata was stabbed multiple times with a steak knife. His body was found five days later after police were called to the home for a welfare check.

Authorities have said Miller and Scott each blamed the other for Zapata’s death.

Grand Valley State University said Zapata was a 19-year employee with its education college.